HC Deb 05 July 1967 vol 749 cc1806-8
23. Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements have been made to replace the F111 aircraft in the event of natural wastage being greater than expected.

Mr. Healey

None, Sir.

Mr. Marten

Does the right hon. Gentleman recall saying on 31st May in this House that the number of 50 takes account of natural wastage and that he had no intention of having any more? If there were a disaster, a fire, explosion or sabotage, is it not utterly irresponsible to say that he would not buy more? Why did we not have a fixed price for this?

Mr. Healey

Any Government deciding what aircraft to have for a good front line aircraft would have to make up their mind in the light of experience and information from manufacturers on the likely rate of wastage. I would be under heavy attack, and rightly, from hon. Members in all parts of the House if I ordered more aircraft than were wanted to meet the requirement.

35. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if the three per cent. per annum factor for inflation in the United States of America which is being applied to the Royal Navy Phantoms, is also being applied to the F111K at the date of delivery of the aircraft, or at the date when payment is due under the Military Aircraft (Loans) Act.

The Minister of Defence for Equipment (Mr. Roy Mason)

The increases in the cost of labour and materials subsequent to April, 1965 which will be included in the price of the F111K will be determined when the aircraft have been delivered.

Mr. Goodhew

Can the hon. Gentleman assure the House that this inflationary factor will not be in excess of 3 per cent., which we were told recently?

Mr. Mason

I cannot give that assurance, but it is likely to be round about that figure.

36. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the terms on which the United States Air Force is to be supplied with spares for its F111 aircraft, which are applicable to spares for the F111K aircraft to be supplied to the Royal Air Force.

Mr. Mason

Contractual arrangements between the United States Air Force and the manufacturers of F111 spares do not fall within my right hon. Friend's responsibilities. As my right hon. Friend has told the House more than once, we shall get spares for the Royal Air Force aircraft, under the American co-operative logistics system, at the same price as is paid by the United States Air Force.

Mr. Goodhew

Is the hon. Gentleman saying that because his right hon. Friend is not responsible for the rates paid by the United States Air Force he cannot tell us what these rates will be when we will have to pay them? When will the Government come to a conclusion on the cost of the F111? Is it not time that we had answers which disclosed information, instead of concealing it?

Mr. Mason

We have always been very honest with the House with regard to F111 pricing—basic cost £2.1 million, then a supplementary ceiling to be determined, and then the cost inflation which will flow from it.

Mr. Powell

When do the Government expect to agree the supplementary ceiling for the F111K?

Mr. Mason

We have not determined it yet. I shall let the House know as soon as the figure has been agreed upon.